ISU WellBeing and occupational medicine will offer a free flu shot clinic next month for university employees and some affiliated organizations. The clinic will run two weeks, Oct. 3-14 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the south court of State Gymnasium.
No appointment or registration is needed, and participants will check in electronically when they arrive. More than 3,000 shots were given last year, said Keri Guy, university human resources (UHR) WorkLife specialist.
"Flu season is always a challenge, and the vaccine is one way for people to feel healthy and productive during that time," said ISU WellBeing coordinator Stephanie Downs. "This is highly valued by our employees, and it is something they can do to protect themselves throughout the year."
The vaccine is available for these employee groups:
- Faculty, professional and scientific, merit and postdocs
- University child care centers
- Retirees on the university health plan who are not yet 65 years
- ISU Foundation
- Iowa State Daily
Employees' spouses and children are not eligible for the clinic, but family members covered by ISU health insurance can receive a flu shot from their medical provider or a retail pharmacy. Visiting scholars and ISU students should contact the Thielen Student Health Center, 294-5801, for vaccination information.
Employees are encouraged to walk to the clinic and enter State Gym through the southwest corner of the building. Parking will be available in the general staff lot (Lot 1) immediately south of the building that runs parallel to Sheldon Avenue. A limited number of free nonstaff permit spaces will be available close to the building, and CyRide also stops next to State Gym on Union Drive.
"We really encourage employees to come to the back of the building and enter using the south entrance to avoid walking through recreation services spaces," Downs said. "There will be signs to direct people."
A COVID-19 vaccine or booster is not available at this clinic. Those wanting one should contact their physician or primary health care provider.
If possible, employees are asked to wear a short-sleeve or loose-fitting shirt to give the nurse easier access to an upper arm. Face masks are not required.
Members of ISU WellBeing's Adventure2 wellness program will receive points for getting a flu shot.
The vaccine
Employees who get a shot will receive a four-component vaccine that protects against A and B flu virus strains. The vaccine contains the four viruses recommended this season by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- A/Victoria/2570/2019(H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Darwin/9/2021(H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus (B/Victoria lineage)
- B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage)
Alternative forms of the vaccine for the 2022-23 flu season are not available at the clinic. Those who prefer a spray or mist vaccine or a high-dose vaccine should check with their primary doctor.
It takes about two weeks for antibodies that protect against the flu to fully develop. It's not possible to get the flu by receiving a flu shot because it is not a live virus, Downs said.
"The clinic runs for two weeks, so if you are not feeling well, wait until you are, because if you're already fighting a bad cold or have a fever, it will be tough for your body to produce the antibodies from the vaccine," she said.
More information about the flu clinic is on the ISU Wellbeing website, and information on the 2022 flu vaccine is available through the CDC. Questions may be directed to the UHR service center, 294-4800.
